The Inspired Pilot Podcast

What does it take to become a pilot? Jeff Simon's love of aviation is taking him on a journey well beyond the cockpit. Jeff is a pilot, an aircraft owner, an FAA certified A & P mechanic and inspector, writer, and inventor. Jeff has spent the last 18 years promoting owner-assisted aircraft maintenance, holds several STCs (Supplemental Type Certificates) for aircraft modification and recently certified the FlexAlert multifunction annunciator to increase flight safety. Driven by a mission to get people flying more, Jeff is also the creator of SocialFlight.com and the free Social Flight mobile app which maps over 20,000 aviation events, destinations, and hundred dollar hamburgers to support the GA (General Aviation) community in the US and beyond. Most recently, Jeff and his two teenage boys have begun building a Titan T-51 aircraft kit in the living room of their home. Join us as Jeff gives us insight into his inspiring pilot journey. Listen to Jeff's episode here: https://www.inspiredpilot.com/podcast/jeff-simon-social-flight-faa-ia/ ============================= SOCIAL MEDIA Connect With The Podcast On: FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/inspiredpilot/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/InspiredPilot INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredpilot/

Patrick Smith is an airline pilot and the host of the popular website askthepilot.com. Patrick is also a published author and his book, COCKPIT CONFIDENTIAL is a New York Times bestseller. He has appeared on hundreds of radio and television outlets, and his work is cited on a regular basis in print publications worldwide. He currently works as a first officer on the Boeing 767 and 757, flying both domestic and overseas routes. As well as aviation Patrick travels extensively in his spare time and so far has visited more than eighty countries. Visit The Show Notes Page For Patrick's Episode And For More Recommended Pilot & Aviation Resources here:http://www.inspiredpilot.com/podcast/patrick-smith-ask-the-pilot/ .

Join us as Karen Kahn gives us insight into her inspiring pilot journey. Karen Kahn piloted her first flight at the age of 19 and then 9 years later, in 1977, was one of the first woman hired by a major airline. Karen now retired from a thirty six-plus year airline pilot career with Continental now United Airlines.A speaker and author of the self-help book "Flight Guide for Success: Tips and Tactics for the Aspiring Airline Pilot", Karen is committed to excellence. She is a Master CFI, FAA aviation safety counselor, director of the California Pilot's Association and a current four-term Airport commissioner in her hometown of Santa Barbara, California in the United States. Listen to Karen's Episode Here: Episode 24 - Karen Kahn

What does it take to become a pilot? Join us as Brent Blue gives us insight into his inspiring pilot journey. Brent Blue is a Senior Aviation Medical Examiner who introduced Digital Pulse Oximetry to general aviation in 1995. He has been the team doctor for the US Unlimited Aerobatic team at the world competition in Hungary and lectures extensively on Hypoxia and carbon monoxide at altitude. Dr. Blue flies a Cessna 340, a Cessna 185, and a 450 Stearman out of his home airport near Jackson Hole in the United States. Listen to Brent's Interview Here: Episode 22: Brent Blue

John Laity is a pilot Engineer & pilot with over 18 years flying experience in ultralights. He co-founded Flying for Freedom in 2010 in response to the large number of injured and wounded veterans who applied to be part of the British Antarctic Microlight Expedition. Flying for Freedom is now funded and supported by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, via their Endeavour Fund. Further supporting the cause Both Prince Harry and Prince George are proud owners of special Flying for Freedom flying suits. Visit www.inspiredpilot.com to listen to John's inspiring story. To donate and support the Flying For Freedom Ultralight/Microlight Antarctica expedition click here: http://bit.ly/flyingforfreedom

Owen Zupp gives us insight into his inspiring pilot journey. Owen Zupp’s passion for flight began in childhood and now he possesses over 17,000 hours on a wide range of aircraft. Owen’s career has included remote region charter flying and flight instruction, international ferry flights, flight testing and the airlines. He holds a Masters Degree in Aviation and his writings on the subject have been widely published. Beyond the cockpit Owen has also authored four books and the popular website, ‘The Pilot’s Blog’ @ www.thepilotsblog.com You can also leave a comment for Owen , just below the show notes for this episode and for the other guests, on their pages at http://www.inspiredpilot.com

Dean Siracusa Shares His Inspiring Pilot Journey. Dean Siracusa is a 2000hr FAA Single Engine Land and instrument rated pilot, Inventor and Serial Entrepreneur based in Austin, Texas in the U.S. In 2006 Dean purchased a rare 1966 Meyers 200D which to this day is still one of the fastest and safest single engine piston aircraft ever built. The Meyer 200D still holds speed records to this day for production aircraft. Dean is also the President and Founder of Transtock, Inc. which is The leading licensing agency that specializes in transportation imagery and footage. In 2012 Dean Invented Flying Eyes Sunglasses and in 2014 received a patent with more pending. Summer Hawk Optics, Inc. is still the only option for comfortable sunglasses while wearing a headset or helmet and available at www.flyingeyes.biz.

Mike Lesser gives us insight into his inspiring pilot journey. Mike Lesser was a frustrated pilot his whole life, but after completing his university degree there was nothing else he wanted to do except fly. Training full time, within about a year and a half Mike had his commercial license, instrument rating and ATPL subjects completed. After 8 years of hard work, Mike now has both Australian and New Zealand ATPL licenses and flies internationally as a First Officer on the Boeing 737.

Join us as Lauren Richardson gives us insight into her inspiring pilot journey. Lauren has been flying since she waved goodbye to her teens and is enjoying her fifth season of flying aerobatics along with her third as a display pilot. Self-funded, Lauren has flying in her blood as she is now living the dream her younger self conjured up. It’s clear she has talent alongside the passion as she has won many competitions including the British Female Aerobatic Champion of 2012. Lauren never stops pursuing her dream as she admits she’s still got further to go and is always finding new ways to fall in love with flying every single day.

Join us as Mike Weeks gives us insight into his inspiring pilot journey. Mike Weeks is a Cadet First Officer with Monarch Airlines, based out of Luton Airport in the UK. An Airbus A320 & A321 pilot, flying mainly to various destinations around Europe, to the Canary Islands, Egypt & Turkey. Mikes journey to the right hand seat has been via the ATPL Modular route and fully self funded.

Join us as Patty Wagstaff gives us insight into her inspiring pilot journey. Patty Wagstaff’s achievements, awards and recognition in aviation is literally the stuff legends are made of. A six-time member of the U.S. Aerobatic Team & competing at Olympic level, Patty is a three-time U.S. National Aerobatic Champion and the first woman to EVER achieve this title. She flies as a "stunt pilot" for major motion picture and television projects, supports worthy causes in Africa, a demo pilot and has even turned her flying skills to fighting fires in California USA. Patty is one of the world’s top airshow pilots, demonstrating before millions of people each year and now teaches others 'how to do it' at the “Patty Wagstaff Aerobatic School” in St. Augustine, Florida. Patty has earned her position as one of modern aviation’s most recognised trailblazers and ambassadors, a woman dedicated to the sport and art of aerobatics.

Join us as MayCay Beeler gives us insight into her inspiring pilot journey. A vivacious American fly girl, MayCay Beeler is a record breaking pilot, award-winning television personality, veteran TV Host/Journalist, award winning true crime author, Certified Flight Instructor, mom, world traveler, and dynamic woman with a passion for all things flying. As on-camera talent, MayCay has worked for every major US Network TV affiliate in News and Entertainment. She is a champion of aviation, who knows firsthand that a woman's place is in the cockpit!

What does it take to become a pilot? Join us as Darren Fuller gives us insight into his inspiring pilot journey. Living under the flight path of a local training aerodrome in New South Wales, Australia, Darren Fuller was bitten by the flying bug early, managing to solo before the legal driving age. Now at 29, he holds both the Australian and Canadian ATPLs, has been a flight instructor, a bush pilot and now flies a Citation Encore for the air ambulance based in Vancouver, Canada.